GULLANE Golf Club is proving itself to be a breeding ground for talented PGA professionals following the success of one of its assistant professionals, who finished top of his class.

Keir McNicoll (pictured above) was recently recognised for his achievements at the annual PGA Graduation ceremony at the University of Birmingham, landing the Rookie of the Year honour, which secured him a £1,000 cheque and the Major John Bywater Trophy.

The 29-year-old, who is nearing the end of his second year of the PGA training programme, was acknowledged by PGA official supplier GASP Systems for coming top in the first year coaching exams.

He was not the only assistant from Gullane to be recognised, with the club also celebrating the achievements of Emma Fairnie and Jordan Ramanauskas, who finished second and 12th respectively in the Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year Awards.

The duo have come to the end of their course and McNicoll, who has been at Gullane for two and a half years, is using his work colleagues as inspiration.

“I work with Emma and Jordan,” he told Courier Sport. “They are two years ahead of me in the degree programme. They did very well.

“I knew there were awards to be won if I worked hard. I just followed their example.

“It is a great award. It is not easy combining everything: my studies, practising, playing golf, there are a whole lot of things.

“It shows you are particularly dedicated.” Originally from Carnoustie, McNicoll, who played at a high amateur level, went to Lynn University in Florida for four years before turning professional and competing on the tours in Europe.

“I went to university in America from 2003 till 2007,” he said. “I had aspirations to turn pro after college. I had two full years as a pro.

“I played a couple of events on the European Tour, the Challenge Tour but mainly on the Europro Tour, then I went down the PGA Professional route.” In his intensive three-year course, McNicoll learns about sports science, golf coaching, business and equipment technology, and it has been a worthwhile venture already.

“I don’t know what the future holds,” he added. “I will see where I am after the course. My golf has really improved, probably because I am not so worried about it and reliant on it for money!

“I would like to get back playing and combine it with a coaching role or a shop pro.

“I didn’t think I would learn as much as I have. I knew I’d learn something but having played at a high level as an amateur, played on the tours and also been to university, I’m surprised at the amount I have learned.

“I wish what I have learned I knew before I turned pro, as it would have been very useful.” Working under head professional Alasdair Good, McNicoll notes the influence Gullane, and those that work there, have had on his development.

“Being at Gullane gives you the chance to go anywhere,” he explained. “It is such an established course. It is the kind of place which opens doors.

“Gullane is a great place to work as the place is always busy and you never know what you’re going to end up doing.

“There is so much to do and working with Jordan and Emma, who are younger than me but a couple years ahead in terms of the degree, means we do learn a lot from each other and help each other out.” The PGA training programme, founded more than 50 years ago, concentrates on all aspects of golf including business, equipment technology and repairs, rules and tournament organisation, sports science, sports psychology and competing in tournaments.

Training and education remains an integral part of the PGA with the foundation degree, while the PGA also runs an honours degree.

Once qualified, PGA members also undergo a process of continual professional development.